Spire issue now in hands of buyer and seller

Nov. 13--HARPERSFIELD TOWNSHIP -- The cards are all now in place for the sale of Spire Institute to move forward.

The Harpersfield Township Zoning Commission approved a request Nov. 6 for a conditional use to allow warehousing at the sports complex.

The request was filed by potential buyer Blue Ocean, a Baltimore-based real estate and investment management firm.

Blue Ocean did not respond to a request for comment.

Officials have said previously that the buyer has indicated that the track portion of the facility could be used for warehousing as a way to generate revenue to support the athletic portion on the complex, although there are no firm plans as of yet to do so.

If at some point in the future the potential buyer wants to utilize any portion of the Spire facility or property for warehousing, the matter would then need to come before the Zoning Board of Appeals with a full plan, officials said.

The Zoning Board of Appeals can then apply stipulations to such a plan.

Harpersfield Township Trustee Chairman Clifford Henry could not be reached for comment.

In November, county commissioners signed off on a Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) agreement that will see Clutter paying $3.9 million over the next 10 years to cover back and future taxes from 2010-2026.

Under the PILOT agreement RoniLee LLC makes an annual tax payment of $396,000 and Geneva schools receives the largest share of these payments at $197,000.

The potential buyer has said they intend to assume responsibilities under the PILOT agreement and a sports facility usage agreement with Geneva Local Schools, officials have said.

In March, Ron Clutter, whose Ronilee LLC currently owns the building and land that Spire occupies, announced that the building and land were for sale. At the time Clutter said a number of people around the country had expressed interest in the property.

A variety of local officials who spoke with the Star Beacon previously said they are supportive of the potential buyer and plans for the property.

Ric Selip, a member of the Spire Board, said with approval of the zoning change things are back on track in regards to a potential sale, but he did not have any additional details as to a timeframe.

County commissioner Casey Kozlowski said he recently spoke with both the potential buyer and the seller and it appears a sale could soon happen. There is not a date finalized, he said.

"Everything is now settled for them to move into the final step of closing on the sale," Kozlowski said.

"They are working on a few items and should close very soon."

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